Speaking at the Labour Conference, Mr Healey also announced a joint unit between his department and the Foreign Office to facilitate aid.

The Chancellor insisted the Government does not want to make it harder for companies to hire temporary workers or students.

He arranged music for performers such as Peggy Lee, Lou Rawls and Dusty Springfield and composed music for films including Mission: Impossible.

Many fear the escalating violence could lead to an all-out war which would further destabilise a region already shaken by fighting in Gaza.